Feminism In Othello Essay

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In many of his plays, Shakespeare demonstrates ideas of gender and racial stereotypes. Othello, a play in which characters are judged based on sex and appearance, is an example of these stereotypes. Othello’s non-white ethnic background provides a platform for racial conflict. The characters of Desdemona and Emilia allow for sexism and gender conflict. These themes of Othello are closely related because of the similar prejudice and stereotypes. The sexism and racism in Othello allow for racist tones and ethnic conflicts.
Women play an important role in Othello. The chastity of a woman is valued, and Desdemona's perceived adultery leads to the deaths of many characters. Iago’s hatred of women is shown throughout the play and could be part of his motivation to create Othello’s jealousy. Desdemona and Emilia provide the conflict for feminist and gender sexism. Desdemona and Emilia are portrayed to have feminist and anti-feminist ideals respectively.
Desdemona is shown as the ideal woman. She is beautiful, honest, and loyal. She tells her father and the duke of her love for Othello. She is honest in her love for her husband. She claims she would never cheat on her husband, not even "for the whole world" (4.3.82). Desdemona is completely devoted to Othello and their marriage. Even after Othello hits her, she leaves because she "will not stay to offend" him (4.1.250). Desdemona remains loyal to her husband, even as he murders her. As she takes her last breath, she tells Emilia that she killed herself. Her claim shows an acceptance of guilt, for a crime she did not commit, because she is committed to her husband. Desdemona is the ideal wife because she is honest and loyal throughout the entire play. She is intelligent and willing to st...

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...his play. Some characters view women as unfaithful and deceptive, simply because they are women. Both Desdemona and Emilia are abused, either verbally or physically or both, by their husbands and other male characters in the play. Othello is judged simply because he is black. The play's feminist and gender differences only serve to add to the conflict. These add to the overall theme of stereotyping, thereby reinforcing the racism in the play.
Gender differences and the tension between Emilia's feminist viewpoints and Desdemona's traditional views serve to reinforce racism against Othello in this play. While Othello presents conflicting views on racism and stereotypes, the overall picture is one in which the play's protagonist is treated with an edge of racist overtones. Othello depicts the conflicts that arise in society due to racial and sexist stereotypes.

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